The research team at Leeds Metropolitan University tested the effect of thyme, marigold and myrrh tinctures on Propionibacterium acnes - the bacterium that causes acne by infecting skin pores and forming spots, which range from white heads through to puss-filled cysts.

It was found that while all the preparations were able to kill the bacterium after five minutes exposure, thyme was the most effective of the three.

They also discovered that the thyme tincture had a greater antibacterial effect than standard concentrations of benzoyl peroxide - the active ingredient in most anti-acne creams or washes.

Lead researcher Dr Margarita Gomez-Escalada said of the tinctures: "The plant material is steeped in alcohol for days or even weeks to prepare a tincture. This process draws out the active compounds from the plant.

"While thyme, marigold and myrrh are common herbal alternatives to standard antibacterial skin washes, this is the first study to demonstrate the effect they have on the bacterium that causes the infection leading to acne."

The effects of the tinctures were measured against an alcohol control to prove their antibacterial action was not simply due to the sterilising effect of the alcohol they are prepared in.

It is believed further clinical testing could lead to an effective, gentler treatment for the skin condition.

"We now need to carry out further tests in conditions that mimic more closely the skin environment and work out at the molecular level how these tinctures are working. If thyme tincture is proven to be as clinically effective as our findings suggest, it may be a natural alternative to current treatments," Dr Gomez-Escalada added.

A gentler, natural treatment would be particularly beneficial to acne sufferers with sensitive skin.

"The problem with treatments containing benzoyl peroxide is the side-effects they are associated with," said Dr Gomez-Escalada.

"A burning sensation and skin irritation are not uncommon. Herbal preparations are less harsh on the skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties while our results suggest they can be just as, if not more, effective than chemical treatments."

Feed Your Skin

Feed Your Skin

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Pomegranate

"Pomegranate contains many anti-oxidant and phytonutrient compounds such as Ellagic Acid, that help keep inflammation in check and support the skin during the many elements of the day, such as heating and cold air, as well as environmental toxins," explains Robyn Mason.